I consider I've always had a good sense of knowing when it was time to change direction in terms of life choices. Looking back I can track distinct moments in time when I've decided to pursue new goals and move away from things that hitherto had occupied my time.

Over the last 7 years a significant focus has been achieving triathlon success at age group/amateur level. In many ways it has been a selfish pursuit, although I believe that the underlying reason for chasing my triathlon goals was a sound one. However, I now believe that the reason for pursuing those personal sporting goals can be fulfilled without concerning myself with times or podium success. That being the case, my main focus for 2015 will be exercising and/or racing to an extent that is compatible with being part of the kids' development. As I don't believe that the amount of training I want to commit to going forward is sufficient to justify the considerable investment given by Team Freespeed and their sponsors, I will no longer be part of the team going forward. I hope that this will afford the opportunity for someone to be part of what is in my view the best amateur triathlon team out there. There is no doubt in my mind that the three years that I have been on the team have been the most enjoyable of my triathlon career and I have nothing but gratitude to Richard, the team sponsors and teammates for the opportunities and support I've been given. Thank you.

Having discussed things with Helen and the kids, it is clear that they enjoy the fact that I swim, bike and run and they want me to continue. They (as do I) also want me to be involved with them swimming, biking, running (exercising) and being around more instead of travelling abroad to races and training camps etc. without them. In that vein, my triathlon plans for 2015 will be to complete, as distinct from compete, Wimbleball 70.3 at the end of June, the Outlaw at the end of July and Challenge Weymouth in mid September. Although that may appear incompatible with what I've said, the fact is that without a "race" to train for, it will be all to easy not to train. Therefore these race entries will provide the motivation for me to do sufficient training to cover the distances without too much pain, keep me fit and stop me working too many hours.

In terms of the kids' development, despite my (joking) attempts to discourage them from pursuing swimming as a sport (having witnessed the stupid amount of training that is required), they've all, in varying degrees, expressed a desire to develop their swimming. The boys have also shown a genuine interest and aptitude for road cycling. As it's somewhat inevitable that I'll be spending an increasing amount of time in and around swimming pools whilst they're training/competing etc, I've now committed to renewing and developing my swim coaching qualifications and have started in a support coach role with the kids' swim club. I'm also committed to helping the boys with the road cycling. As part of that, this year will see the majority of training that I do do being focused on the bike and supplementing time trialling with some bike racing. I'll fill you in more on that score in due course...._________________Swim smart, Bike strong, Run tough
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Fri Jan 23, 2015 3:38 pm iainm

Interesting read Matt. You've had a huge amount of success as a triathlete and who knows how it will go this summer without the higher expectations. enjoy your time with the family._________________Tri blog | Follow my snowsports blog at Skipedia | Supported by Profeet Custom

Fri Jan 23, 2015 4:06 pm explorerJC

Chapeau! Good call mate, you've had a great 'career'. The kids are coming on strong so you will have plenty to appreciate there...._________________www.appliedtri.co.uk Tri and Du coaching

The kids have got a great role model. They seem to be heading to be good competitors. You have had a great many years for yourself and I'm sure you will enjoy the role of supporting Dad in their achievements._________________